[tiredmom65]

Hi,

I posted this question in a different spot with no response and I really need an answer ASAP so I thought I would re-post here. Hope this is okay...

My husband and I are trying with all our might to overcome an opiate addiction over the last few weeks and are doing pretty good---but need to make some decisions by Monday concerning alternative pain relief.....

My husband and I have chronic pain (really) and are thinking that Ultram may be a good alternative.

The problem (if it is infact a problem) is that he is on 20 mg. of Paxil a day, and I am on 20 mg. of celexa. I am reading that these meds may be contraindicated--although I cannot get a solid answer.

My questions are:

1. Is Ultram a good alternative?

2. Can we take Ultram while taking Paxil/Celexa?

Thanks in advance for any feedback on this.

[musicman48]

Originally Posted by tiredmom65

Hi,

I posted this question in a different spot with no response and I really need an answer ASAP so I thought I would re-post here. Hope this is okay...

My husband and I are trying with all our might to overcome an opiate addiction over the last few weeks and are doing pretty good---but need to make some decisions by Monday concerning alternative pain relief.....

My husband and I have chronic pain (really) and are thinking that Ultram may be a good alternative.

The problem (if it is infact a problem) is that he is on 20 mg. of Paxil a day, and I am on 20 mg. of celexa. I am reading that these meds may be contraindicated--although I cannot get a solid answer.

My questions are:

1. Is Ultram a good alternative?

2. Can we take Ultram while taking Paxil/Celexa?

Thanks in advance for any feedback on this.

I have heard a lot of good things about ultram.I have also learned in this forum that it is addictive and you should proceed with caution when stopping ultram.This is what info I got from the interaction section.You may have already read this but here it is just in case. I hope this helps. Maybe some people who have actually taken both may have more info for you...Good luck...MM

GENERALLY AVOID: The coadministration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) with tramadol, which has weak serotonin reuptake inhibiting effect, may potentiate the risk of serotonin syndrome, which is a rare but serious and potentially fatal condition thought to result from hyperstimulation of brainstem 5HT1A receptors. Patients receiving this combination may also have an increased risk of seizures. Pharmacokinetically, coadministration with certain SSRIs, namely fluoxetine, paroxetine and possibly sertraline, may result in decreased plasma concentrations of the active O-demethylated (M1) metabolite of tramadol due to inhibition of CYP450 2D6, the isoenyzme responsible for the formation of the metabolite. The clinical significance of this potential interaction is unknown. However, M1 is thought to possess up to 6 times the analgesic effect of tramadol, thus diminished therapeutic response to tramadol should be considered.

MANAGEMENT: In general, the concomitant use of SSRIs and tramadol should be avoided if possible, or otherwise approached with caution if potential benefit is deemed to outweigh the risk. Patients treated with the combination should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of excessive serotonergic activity such as CNS irritability, altered consciousness, confusion, myoclonus, ataxia, abdominal cramping, hyperpyrexia, shivering, pupillary dilation, diaphoresis, hypertension, and tachycardia.

[MaisieC]

Ultram is NOT a good alternative if you have concerns about opiate addiction. I"ve been addicted to all sorts of opiate pain relievers, and I've also been addicted to Ultram, and there's no difference from my point of view...except that the withdrawals from Ultram can be a lot worse.

Lots of doctors are apparently unaware of the addictive nature of tramadol (Ultram), I believe because the drug's manufacturer somehow gets away with telling them it's not addictive. It's an opioid and behaves in every way like an opiate. As noted above, it also acts on serotonin in the brain, which can give you a lift (and also make getting off it more difficult). You need to do what you need to do for pain, and I'm afraid I can't advise you about that--but taking ultram is going to be pretty much the same as taking percocet, vicodin, codeine...you name it.

Good luck and take care.